Px3 for horses

Abstract

The present application pertains to a customized orthotic mouthpiece for horses and methods associated with creating and using the customized orthotic mouthpieces. These custom mouthpieces, as opposed to the typical bits generally used, do not restrict or impede movement or position of the horse's tongue. Furthermore, the custom mouthpieces are able to increase the flow of oxygen for the horse to consume compared to typical bits used, thereby enhancing the ability of the horse to function. These custom mouthpieces will prove useful when the horse is involved in competition, training, and recovery. In particular, improvements to the horse's respiratory, physiological, and neurological performance can be seen, especially when the horse is active for long periods of time due to the increased flow of oxygen.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A custom orthotic mouthpiece for a horse comprising:
 a first portion fitted in a mouth of a horse, wherein the first portion is fitted around front teeth and molar teeth of the horse, and wherein the first portion creates a space between upper and lower teeth of the horse and aligns a jaw of the horse;   a second portion fitted to a roof of the mouth; and   an adjustable bit attachment, wherein the adjustable bit attachment is connected to the second portion, and wherein the adjustable bit attachment is capable of attaching reins to the second portion.   
     
     
         2 . The custom orthotic mouthpiece of  claim 1 , further comprising force sensors that measure a force provided by a rider using reins attached to the second portion, wherein the force sensors are associated with the adjustable rein attachment. 
     
     
         3 . The custom orthotic mouthpiece of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion is smooth against the roof of the mouth of the horse. 
     
     
         4 . The custom orthotic mouthpiece of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion includes a plurality of compartments. 
     
     
         5 . The custom orthotic mouthpiece of  claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of compartments associated with the second portion can take removable studs. 
     
     
         6 . The custom orthotic mouthpiece of  claim 5 , wherein the removable studs are customizable based on a response desired from the horse. 
     
     
         7 . The custom orthotic mouthpiece of  claim 5 , further comprising one or more covers, wherein each of the plurality of compartments associated with the second portion take one of the covers when removable studs are not associated with a particular compartment. 
     
     
         8 . A method of creating a custom orthotic mouthpiece, wherein the method comprises:
 locking a mouth of a horse in an open position using an equine dental halter and mouth-speculum;   obtaining an imprint of teeth and palate of the horse, wherein a bite plate is used to obtain an impression of the teeth and palate; and   producing a customized orthotic mouthpiece using the obtained imprint of the teeth and palate, wherein producing the customized orthotic mouthpiece includes:
 fitting a first portion in a mouth of a horse, wherein the first portion is fitted around front teeth and molar teeth of the horse, and wherein the first portion creates a space between upper and lower teeth of the horse and aligns a jaw of the horse; 
 fitting a second portion to a roof of the mouth; and 
 connecting an adjustable bit attachment to the second portion, wherein 
   the adjustable bit attachment is capable of attaching reins to the second portion.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the bite plate further includes putty that facilitates obtaining the impression. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising sedating the horse. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the impression of the teeth of the horse includes impression of the upper teeth and the lower teeth.